Comparison of serum aminotranferases in overweight and obese children
Abstract: Obesity has become a
global issue. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a metabolic complication of
obesity, and indicated by elevated serum aminotransferases.
Objective To compare serum aminotransferase levels in overweight and
obese children.
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October
2015. A total of 82 subjects aged 6-10 years met the study criteria. Blood
specimens and data concerning lifestyle and family history using questionnaires
were collected. Subjects were divided into three groups based on BMI:
overweight, obese, and severely obese. Comparisons of serum aminotransferase
levels were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc tests, with P values <
0.05.
Results The median serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in
overweight, obese, and severely obese subjects were 14 (IQR 6-42) U/L, 15 (IQR
11-44) U/L, and 23 (IQR 9-59) U/L, respectively (P=0.031). The median serum
aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in overweight, obese, and severely
obese subjects were 22 (IQR 17-36) U/L, 22 (IQR 16-32) U/L, and 24 (IQR 15-41)
U/L, respectively (P=0.049). Post hoc analysis revealed that median serum ALT
levels were significantly higher in the severely obese group than in the
overweight group [-8.982 (95% CI -14.77 to -3.20; P=0.003)], as well as in the
obese group [-5.297 (95% CI -10.58 to -0.02; P=0.049)]. In addition, the median
serum AST level was significantly higher in the severely obese group than in
the obese group [-2.667(95% CI -5.27 to -0.07; P= 0.044)].
Conclusion Median serum ALT and AST levels are significantly higher in
severely obese children than in obese and overweight children.
Keywords: Serum
aminotransferases; body mass index; obese children
Author: Ayu Shintia Shanti, I
Gusti Lanang Sidiartha
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160305
